Majority of Manitoba parents report unsafe driving in school zones: CAA

A new report out of CAA Manitoba shows the majority of Manitoba parents have witnessed dangerous driving in school zones.

The organization released the survey on Wednesday, which found that 90 per cent of parents and guardians reported unsafe driving behaviours in their school zones. These behaviours include speeding, drivers blocking school bus zones and distracted driving.

As a result, 62 per cent of Manitoba parents consider their child’s school zone unsafe, according to the survey.

“Your friends here at CAA are encouraging parents to exercise greater caution as we enter the school year,” said Ewald Friesen, CAA Manitoba’s manager of government and community relations.

Friesen noted that dangerous driving in school zones presents serious risks, including collisions.

“Obviously parents and guardians could be rushing to work or on to the next thing, so obviously this may distract them from what’s going on,” he said.

“We would obviously not wish for there to be any collisions between children and vehicles, absolutely not.”

To help keep school zones safe, CAA Manitoba recommends slowing down, putting away any distractions, stopping for school buses, and choosing a safe drop-off spot. It also suggests making eye contact with pedestrians, watching for school safety patrollers, and reducing traffic by encouraging your kids to walk or bike to school.